Do people often compliment you on your knack with kids? Caring for children is a true labor of love, and not everyone can do it well. If you’ve always loved being with kids, you may want to get a child development degree to learn more about what brings out the best in them, and to think about a career in working with young children. Child development degree programs prepare you to be responsible for children’s safety and for their social, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Entry-level (but lowest-paid) child development degree programs are offered at the diploma and associate degree level. A bachelor’s or master’s child development degree may help you advance your career and obtain a supervisory or administrative position in a day care center or preschool. Child development degree topics include early childhood education, teaching social skills, safety, program planning, and communication.

Child Development Degree Related Careers

Child Care Specialists care for children in pre-schools, daycare centers, family daycare in their own homes, and sometimes the children’s homes. A childcare specialist’s duties include:

• Maintaining a safe and nurturing environment
• Engaging children in developmentally appropriate activities
• Teaching social skills
• Fostering learning skills and school readiness
• Providing nutritious snacks or meals
• Communicating with parents

Child care worker training and licensing requirements vary among states but a license is usually required for services provided in a caregiver’s home just as it is for centers and schools. Local governments and insurance companies sometimes have requirements as well. Employers sometimes prefer job applicants who have earned these nationally recognized credentials:

• Child Development Associate (CDA), awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition
• Certified Child Care Professional, awarded by the National Child Care Association

What’s the Job Outlook?

Employment of childcare workers is projected to increase by 18%, almost 248,000 new jobs, between 2006 and 2016. This is faster than the average for all occupations.

How much does it pay?

In 2006, the median annual salary for diploma and associate degree holders ranged from $12,910 to more than $27,050, with a median salary of $17,630.

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